Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang seeks candidates for consideration for the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board (CRA). The CRA is an independent public body focused on publicly-beneficial real estate projects and infrastructure investment within the City of Cambridge.
The mission of the CRA from its 2014 Strategic Plan states “the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is committed to implementing imaginative, creative development that achieves social equity and environmental sustainability. Our goal is to work in the public interest to facilitate infrastructure investments and development projects that integrate commercial, housing, civic, and open space uses. We are a public real estate entity with a unique set of redevelopment tools, working in close partnership with the City of Cambridge and other organizations.”
In 2012, under the guidance of a newly appointed Board, the CRA launched a strategic planning process which developed the mission above, along with a guiding set of operating principles, from which the organization initiated a series of new redevelopment activities for the community. Since then, the CRA launched the Foundry Redevelopment Demonstration Project, amended the Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan (KSURP), initiated the Forward Fund nonprofit grant program, initiated multiple park and streetscape improvement projects, and purchased and renovated the nonprofit office building at 99 Bishop Allen Drive.
The CRA is finalizing a new strategic plan that deepens its commitment to equity and sustainability through community infrastructure projects, affordable housing investments, and economic opportunity programs. This strategic plan requires that the CRA be both nimble and thoughtful in taking on new projects and initiatives. Anticipated efforts for the upcoming years include the development of affordable homeownership opportunities, the preservation and renovation of commercial and non-profit spaces that advance economic opportunity, and the support of vital community infrastructure including community facilities, open space, and transit. The CRA Board will be responsible for the deployment of its financial resources and establishing partnerships to implementation of imaginative redevelopment programs.
Per the state regulations creating redevelopment authorities (M.G.L. 121B), the CRA Board is composed of five members, four of whom are appointed by the City Manager and confirmed by the City Council to five-year terms. The fifth member is appointed by the Governor’s office. The CRA Board is a public body that meets at least monthly under the guidance of the Open Meeting Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Regular board meetings are currently held virtually on the second or third Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-8:30 pm.
Board members are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management and strategic direction of the CRA. They oversee project selection, program policy, internal controls, contracting and procurement decisions, and general management of operations. The Board hires the Executive Director and sets annual budgets for the organization. They serve as a critical connection between community interests and program management. They bring forward redevelopment concepts for consideration. They review suggested initiatives received from the City of Cambridge and CRA staff. They guide existing redevelopment programs providing land use and design review of buildings in the KSURP area of Kendall Square. They monitor the delivery of ongoing community benefit agreements in Kendall Square and other plan areas.
The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Additional information regarding the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is available on the project webpage, www.cambridgeredevelopment.org.
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 3, 2023. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the city’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. For more information, call the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300.
